In the spring of 1973, Bill Warren joined a new camera club in Burlington which met once a month in the general meeting room on the second floor of the Burlington Mall.

The club was named the Latow Camera Club — Latow being a native word meaning ‘beam of light’ — known now as the Latow Photographers Guild.

That makes 40 years of continuous membership for Warren this year — quite an accomplishment. However, he has not been a passive member of the club; he has been a very active and key member for that whole time.

Over the years, he has mentored many Latow members, served in executive and committee positions and was president for two separate terms. Due to his love of black and white printing, the darkroom was one of Warren’s favourite places. He either obtained donations or built much of the guild’s equipment in its facilities and he looked after its maintenance for years.

It was his idea to hold an annual photography seminar — as a result, the Latow Photographers Guild is known not only in Ontario but also in New York and Quebec. He served as its chairman and did practically everything, from obtaining speakers to almost single-handedly managing the event for many years. This successful event continues to fund much of the photographic equipment enjoyed at Latow today.

Warren was Burlington’s Art Person of the Year in 2008 in recognition of his service to the community and participation in photography.

However, as Latow had never really officially honoured him to the extent he deserves, his 40th year of continuous participation and service in the club was considered to be the right time to do so. At Latow’s monthly general meeting this month, the club made a presentation to Bill and announced the naming of the Burlington Art Centre’s darkroom and finishing room area The W.J. (Bill) Warren Darkroom and Finishing Room.

Fifteen former guild presidents attended to share in the opportunity to honour his contributions.

“There is no one who has been more giving of his time or has promoted Latow to a greater extent over the years than Bill Warren,” said Latow President Tom Stephens.

“We’re very pleased that he continues to volunteer for many duties in service of Latow, even today.”

In his typical modest fashion, Warren replied he is the one who benefits from volunteering because he derives so much pleasure from it.